Women Build 2026 raises $1.17 million for affordable housing efforts

Jennifer LaFrance and Rana Levy [Photo by Vivid Memories by Gwen]

Severe weather may have altered the schedule, but it did not diminish the determination behind Women Build 2026.

After storms and flooding disrupted Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County’s original March construction activities, volunteers, sponsors, community leaders and Habitat homeowners reunited on May 1 in West Palm Beach for a special modified Women Build Day.

What began as an unexpected challenge ultimately became a testament to the mission of Women Build: bringing women and communities together to help local families achieve safe, stable and affordable homeownership.

The event carried added significance this year as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County celebrates its 40th anniversary. Participants gathered in West Palm Beach, the same community where the combined affiliate built its first Habitat home.

Teri Finley & Theresa Peak [Photo by Vivid Memories by Gwen]

Women Build 2026 was made possible through a partnership involving Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County and the City of West Palm Beach. Together, the organizations are working to expand affordable housing opportunities, strengthen neighborhoods and create pathways to long-term stability for local families.

“The storms may have changed our plans, but they never changed the heart behind Women Build,” says Women Build 2026 co-chairs Christy Maasbach and Rana Levy in a joint statement. “Watching this community come back together with even more energy and purpose was incredibly powerful.”

Originally held March 12 and 13, Women Build 2026 mobilized more than 300 participants from across South Florida. Volunteers supported the construction of three new homes while also contributing to neighborhood revitalization projects, exterior home improvements and fencing installations in West Palm Beach.

Despite weather-related interruptions, organizers said enthusiasm for the initiative never waned.

Kumiko Zimmerman  [Photo by Vivid Memories by Gwen]

The campaign has already generated more than $1.17 million through sponsorships, fundraising efforts and philanthropic partnerships.

During the modified May event, volunteers returned to the build site wearing the initiative’s signature pink and green apparel and participated in hands-on projects while reconnecting with Habitat homeowners and fellow volunteers. The day also included celebrating the collective impact of Women Build and the families it serves.

Women Build Co-Chairs, Christy Maasbach & Rana Levy. [Photo by Vivid Memories by Gwen]

Organizers said the return gathering underscored the true spirit of Women Build: when obstacles arise, the community responds by coming together even stronger.

As Habitat marks 40 years of service, Women Build 2026 stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when volunteers, nonprofit organizations, local governments and community leaders unite around a shared goal of expanding access to affordable housing.

The event's success, organizers said, reflects not only the generosity of donors and sponsors but also the enduring commitment of volunteers who continue to invest their time and energy into building brighter futures for Palm Beach County families.